Southern Hemisphere Weekly Snow Roundup #318

• Australian season opens after 35cm (14in) snowfall.
• Andes braced for potentially huge early-season storm. 
• New Zealand still waiting for natural snow.
• Afriski targets Friday opening after heavy falls.

Australia Snow Report

Most Australian resorts opened for the 2026 season last weekend, helped by up to 35cm (14in) of fresh snowfall and favourable snowmaking temperatures. Terrain remained limited, but Hotham reported 31cm (12.5in) in six days and Perisher expanded operations by opening the V8 Chairlift and Front Valley. Mt Buller continues to post the country's deepest early-season base, assisted by extensive all-weather snowmaking.

Australia Snow Forecast
A colder but mostly dry pattern is expected through mid-June. Overnight temperatures will stay well below freezing, allowing snowmaking to continue, with only light natural snow expected from weak fronts.

New Zealand Snow Report

The build-up to the New Zealand season remains subdued after almost a month without meaningful snowfall. Mt Hutt has postponed its opening, while Cardrona has delayed by a week. The Remarkables may still open this weekend, although only beginner terrain is likely if it proceeds. Coronet Peak already has a small snow area thanks to all-weather snowmaking.

New Zealand Snow Forecast
Colder conditions are expected later this week, with repeated sub-zero nights helping snowmakers. Natural snowfall is still expected to be limited.

Argentina Snow Report

No Argentinian resorts have confirmed opening plans yet, although colder weather and repeated overnight freezes have improved conditions. Light snow has fallen on the highest slopes around Patagonia, while snowmaking is underway where available.

Argentina Snow Forecast
Mountain temperatures should remain wintry, especially around Las Leñas and Cerro Castor, with clear spells and occasional cloud helping preserve the early-season snowpack.

Chile Snow Report

Chile heads towards opening weekend with cool, mostly dry weather. Valle Nevado, La Parva, Nevados de Chillán and Corralco are all expected to begin their seasons on Saturday, relying heavily on snowmaking after a relatively dry start.

Chile Snow Forecast
A series of Pacific fronts could bring significant snowfall over the next few days, with the most optimistic forecasts suggesting up to 1m (40in) by next week.

South Africa Snow Report

Heavy snowfall closed the Sani Pass late last week, while Afriski reported snow on the ground and snowmaking in progress. The resort hopes to open for the season on Friday, 12 June, if conditions continue to improve.

South Africa Forecast
Cold, dry weather with regular overnight freezes should provide excellent snowmaking opportunities through the coming week.